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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet 2nd Gen Graphics And Gaming Tests

Next, we tested the ThinkPad X1 Tablet's graphics capabilities with not only gaming benchmarks but a pro graphics test that measures the machine's ability to render 3D workloads on the CPU and integrated GPU of the processor.

Cinebench R11.5

3D Rendering On The CPU And GPU

Cinebench is developed by Maxon, which is known for its Cinema 4D software. We use both of Cinebench’s integrated tests for CPU and GPU-driven workloads. The CPU test uses thousands of rendering objects to stress the processor, while the GPU test puts your system’s graphics chip to work with a short, 3D rendered scene involving a car chase. The CPU test is measured in points, while the GPU test is measured by the framerate. In both tests, higher numbers represent better performance.

There are a few things to note here. The first is that Cinebench is a brutal benchmark that is focused on professional workload capabilities. We do not expect tablet devices to lead the pack in this one, and certainly the ThinkPad X1 Tablet is not at the top of the pile.

Secondly, while this year's ThinkPad X1 Tablet has been outpacing last year's model, we see the two switch places in this test, with last year's configuration running a few frames faster in the OpenGL portion of the test. This can be attributed to the faster top-end clockspeed of the integrated Intel HD Graphics 515, which has a base frequency of 300MHz and a max clock of 1GHz. The newer Intel HD Graphics 615 found on this year's model has the same base clock, but tops out at 950MHz.

On the CPU side, the scores are virtually the same—last year's tablet edge's out this year's model by a hair (2.43 points versus 2.37 points), though it is close enough to consider a wash.

Neither one can keep pace with Samsung's Galaxy Book 12, which is outfitted with a burlier processor (Core i5-7200U) and a faster GPU (Intel Graphics HD 620). For a 2-in-1 device, however, the ThinkPad X1 Tablet demonstrates a bit of spunk in this test.

3DMark Cloud Gate

Synthetic DirectX Gaming And Graphics Testing

Futuremark’s well-known 3DMark benchmark suite features tests aimed at different types of devices. We opted for the Cloud Gate and Sky Driver tests, for which we have plenty of comparison data but also as light-duty 3D graphics and gaming benchmarks that are well-targeted for thin and light notebook devices. Sky Diver is a bit more strenuous but still well within the limits of our test group.

The ThinkPad X1 Tablet tries its best to flex its graphics prowess, and to its credit, the 2-in-1 does approach 5,000 in 3DMark's Cloud Gate benchmark. However, gaming is not a point of focus with this system, as both Cloud Gate and Sky Diver scores indicate.

Far Cry 2 Game Test

DirectX 10 Game Testing

Sure, Far Cry 2 has been around the block a few times and is many years old, but it is still a good test for entry-level PCs and ultrabooks alike. It features high quality textures, complex shaders, and dynamic lighting to create a rich and immersive environment powered with DX10-class effects. More importantly, it includes an exceptional benchmarking tool. We run the benchmark at 720p and 60Hz on the "High" detail preset with the DirectX 10.rendering path It is actually still a great yardstick to see just how far integrated graphics solutions have come.

Far Cry 2 drives the point home that you will not be doing a whole lot of gaming on this tablet, at least not outside of casual titles that are more suited for this form factor. Even with the resolution dialed back, the ThinkPad X1 Tablet only averaged around 33 frames per second. That is playable, but this is also an older game that is not all that demanding compared to more modern PC games.